I know it’s only a preliminary game, but is anyone as excited about the first day match-up between Brazil and the Dominican Republic as I am?

Brazil just came off a dominating performance in the Tuto Marchand Cup. With veterans Leandro Barbosa, Marcelo Machado, and Tiago Splitter leading the way, Brazil comes into the Tournament of Americas as one of the favorites.

The squad fielded by the Dominican Republic is supposed to be the best team the tiny island has ever assembled.

Powered by three current NBA players Francisco García, Al Horford, and Charlie Villanueva, DR is poised to take one of the four spots to the 2010 World Championships.

The game is full of talented players with Barbosa, Luis Flores, García, Horford, Marcelinho, Splitter, Anderson Varejão, and Villanueva.

Brazil is the more experienced team but the Dominican Republic has the “We get no respect“ swagger.  This is a game to watch – how will one of the favorites Brazil do against the blackhorse of the tournament?

The game is the second match of the day, after the U.S. Virgin Islands play Uruguay, and set to start at 4pm local time.  Follow day one of the FIBA Americas Championship in our forum.